The dim light of a just-lit billy lamp swept across the sloping ceiling.

“Wanderer? Get up. Time to go.”

Mayor Anderson.

Robbie stood behind her in the doorway, his own lamp throwing light on to his face.

“Time to go where?” I said.

The mayor held her lamp out at arm’s length.

“Where d’you think, Cruise?”

“You’re taking Una now? In the middle of the night?”

“Good a time as any. She’s a wanderer. She doesn’t get a send-off.”

“You can’t take her.” I leapt up. “I won’t let you.”

“Where is she? What’ve you done with her?” Mayor Anderson looked into the corners of the room. “Wanderer? Where are you?”

“She’s got a name,” I said. My mouth went dry. “She’s called Una.”

“Here she is.” Mayor Anderson held her lamp over the back of the sofa.

“Leave her alone,” I said.

“What was that? How many times do I have to tell you, middler? Speak up.”

“Leave her alone!” I threw myself forwards, barged her with my shoulder.

She hardly budged.

I charged again, got my elbow into her ribs.

“Ow, you little—”

Someone grabbed me from behind. Pinned my arms to my sides. Robbie.

“Shame on you for holding back an eldest, Maggie Cruise.” Mayor Anderson shook her head.

I struggled against Robbie.

“What are you doing, Maggie?” he said. “She’s just a wanderer. Let the mayor take her to camp. Stop making life difficult for yourself.”

If I could just reach under my shirt I could grab the knife. It was still there, tucked into my trousers, digging into my stomach.

I twisted and turned, but he held me solid.

“Neel? Grif?” Mayor Anderson called towards the doorway. “Come and help me get the wanderer out.”

Neel and Grif loped in and pulled Una up. She was limp.

Fight, Una, fight!

She didn’t, though. They dragged her by her elbows.

“Leave her alone!” I pulled my arms but Robbie held tight.

“Stop it, Maggie. Just stop.” It was Una, eyes on the floor. “I don’t want your help. I don’t even want it.”

“See?” said Mayor Anderson. “She doesn’t appreciate your efforts. That’s wanderers for you. I did try to warn you. Shame on you, Maggie Cruise, for keeping their company.”

She left the room. Neel and Grif followed, pulling Una between them.

“Do yourself a favour and let it go, Maggie.” Robbie loosened his grip. “Sit there and calm down.” He pushed me towards the sofa.

I fell on to the seat.

“That’s better,” he said. “Now, don’t try anything stupid. I’ll be right outside on the landing.” He went to the doorway, picked up his billy lamp. “Look, Maggie, Jed’s only just gone to camp and, well, no one wants anything to happen to you. So keep your head low, all right? I’m sure the mayor’ll let you out before long.”